The Victorian Earth Resources Regulator has issued a reminder. Image: Image: Michael Evans/stock.adobe.com
The Victorian regulator has issued a reminder to the state’s quarries about the importance of rehabilitation of their sites.
Rehabilitation of a quarrying site, under the state’s legislation, is required as the final stage of quarrying. Once the rehabilitation obligations are met and the land is restored according to the work plan, the operator can surrender their work authority.
“Rehabilitation is an important part of the quarrying life-cycle, if it’s not done properly then the costs can fall to the state – which is unacceptable,” Resources Victoria chief executive officer Matt Vincent said.
“Once quarries are rehabilitated, they can become community assets, lots of parks across the state where once use to extract rock or sand.”
The reminder was issued by Resources Victoria after an operator in the state had their application to surrender the quarry’s work authority denied.
According to the regulator, this was because the regulator found the site was incomplete in its rehabilitation. The regulator noted the excessive slope of the quarry pit, missing topsoil and vegetation, excessive weeds and erosion.
Vincent said rigorous planning is required to run a quarry and operators must meet their obligations.
“Staff from our Earth Resources Regulator regularly visit quarries to ensure they are meeting their obligations and doing the right thing,” he said.
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